Proteomic/Metabolomic Analysis of Embryos: Current Status for Use in ART

Abstract

The selection of embryos for transfer is currently based on morphological indices; though successful, the field of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) would benefit from a noninvasive quantitative method of embryo assessment. Omics technologies, including proteomics and metabolomics, have already begun providing evidence that viable embryos possess unique molecular profiles with potential biomarkers that could be utilized for selection purposes. Of particular interest in ART is the secretome (extracellular proteins and metabolites) that are present in the surrounding environment of the embryo, the microdrop of culture media. Defining the human embryonic secretome has the potential to expand our knowledge of embryonic cellular processes and may also assist in identifying those embryos with the highest implantation potential. Advances in proteomic and metabolomic technologies have allowed for the noninvasive profiling of the human embryonic secretome with ongoing research focused on correlation with outcome that may result in improved IVF outcomes and routine single embryo transfers.